'The Chance to Make a Difference'

A Guilford College education is based on seven Core Values — community, diversity, equality, excellence, integrity, justice and stewardship.

No matter what major a student chooses, there are opportunities to emphasize these values in everyday life. Plus, many Guilford graduates shape their careers based on values that truly speak to them.

Shawan Gabriel ’00 discovered as a student that community is his passion, and it’s defined his career. He’s the founder of the Live and Give project, which supports community-enhancement initiatives across North Carolina, and he’s CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Services Inc. in Winston-Salem.

Guilford was the most welcoming place I ever encountered. It provided the experiences that shaped my life as it stands today.

Shawan Gabriel '00

Getting Involved

“I went to Guilford from 1996 to 2000. The school definitely embraced its core values, and community was a big part of that,” Shawan says. “Guilford gives students the chance to make a difference.”

As an undergraduate, he didn’t have a career plan. He originally considered being a lawyer, so he studied political science. But his career path changed because of his experiences outside the classroom.

“Guilford pushed me toward my career,” he says. “We used to have ice cream socials and do community outreach through the YMCA at Guilford. That showed me how I could be of service to my community.” Today, his organization provides mentoring services to hundreds of students. And as a 10-year Big Brother, he recently celebrated the high-school graduation of his Little Brother.

Why Community Matters

Shawan’s love for community grew deep at Guilford, and he’s carried that feeling with him.

“Guilford was the most welcoming place I ever encountered. It provided the experiences that shaped my life as it stands today,” he says. “Knowing that my daily work goes into helping hundreds of kids is an awesome feeling. I am very happy serving the community.”

To learn more about our Core Values and how Guilford can help you pair academic achievement with helping others, schedule your personal visit.